When you file a claim after an accident, there are various categories under which you are entitled to receive compensation. The entitled compensatory damages are further bifurcated as non-pecuniary and pecuniary damages.
You need to know that any of the injuries of the claimant or plaintiff that are a direct result of the accident which includes physical, mental harm and property damage or any other related losses is included in the entitlement of compensatory damages. However, it is important that all of the damages for which the claim is being filed emanates from the same accident.
Thus, it is essential to know more about the different damages that can be claimed. The nominal damages are held valid but even the Personal Injury Lawyer in Vaughan finds it difficult to evaluate and value. While the punitive damages are applicable when the goal is to punish the defendant and discourage them from neglect or careless next time. Before you file a claim, you need to know that non-pecuniary and pecuniary damages are covered under compensation for damages.
Pecuniary Damages
These are quantifiable damages which are awarded as compensation. Usually included in personal injury law suits, these damages can be evaluated in financial terms such as lost wages, medical costs (hospital bills, medication, ambulance bills and more), future cost of rehabilitation and care, and property damage. Basically, every loss or damage that can be assigned a financial value is calculated under pecuniary damage.
Non-Pecuniary Damages
These damages are compensated to the injury victim but are those that cannot be quantified in financial amounts. These are basically not straightforward losses, but are considered to be more subjective in nature. Some of these include:
Pain and suffering are compensated, if it is medically proved that the injured victim is suffering due to the effects of the accident. Additionally, the compensation for emotional distress is awarded, if the injury victim has anxiety, depression and other mental harm, due to the accident. Other damages include impairment of life, impairment of relationships and mental abilities. Additionally, loss of future wages is awarded, if the chances of working in the future is not a possibility. This is usually done in cases where the individual has been injured catastrophically and is now disabled or left with injuries that render him or her unable to work in the future. However, there are daily living expenses and other medical costs, which are current and will be needed in the future.
As there are multiple categories of damages that are covered under a personal injury lawsuit, you need the services of a personal injury lawyer that can help you gauge the merits of your case.